A beach getaway is the classic Aussie holiday. But for families with children who have complex medical needs, taking a seaside break can be incredibly difficult. Earlier this year a state-of-the-art holiday home opened in Encounter Lakes, Victor Harbor that endeavours to change that by offering respite accomodation to some of South Australia’s most treasured guests.  

Sara Fleming, a Nurse Practitioner at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, points out how hard holidaying can be for families whose children need palliative or complex care: “There’s the stress of packing lots of equipment, resourcing medical support, thinking about how far they can travel. I realised families needed to have a holiday option that was accessible and affordable.” 

So Sara’s dream for South Australia to have a purpose-built holiday home was ignited. And by partnering with the Women’s & Children’s Hospital (WCH) Foundation that dream has now become a reality. 

Since opening in August 2019 many families have made special memories at the WCH Foundation ‘Laklinyeri’ Beach House. Located on an expansive double block, just a stone’s throw from South Coast District Hospital, the Beach House boasts glistening views of the lakes.

Its sleek design and styling ensures the house feels like a luxury resort, yet it contains elements of innovative functionality, such as the hoist designed to carry children from the bedroom to bathroom. Features like a wheelchair-accessible cubby house, bikes for siblings, and reading nooks for grandparents allow families to unwind and enjoy quality time together. 

WCH Foundation CEO Jane Scotcher is delighted to share guests’ responses to this special holiday home: “A family who recently stayed at the Beach House said that every detail had been thoughtfully included to allow families like theirs the chance to enjoy a holiday without the extra stress of finding a house that can accommodate their child’s special medical needs. They also said they returned home having made lovely memories.

“Their feedback encapsulates everything we wanted the Beach House to be — a home that has all the equipment and supplies required, coupled with a beautiful setting for families to create precious memories together.”

Kirsteen Calder, a member of the Beach House Project Advisory Group, explains: “Palliative care is about living in the moment. When people visit Victor Harbor again after their holiday it will hopefully bring back wonderful memories. The reality is that memories are what we are left with.” 

Kirsteen’s daughter Georgia Pyman passed away at age 14, having been diagnosed with Congenital Cytomegalovirus in the womb. For eight years Georgia received palliative care and her family now treasure the time they spent with their gorgeous Georgia on holidays by the sea. 

This is why the Beach House is such an important gift to offer South Australian families. 

Although the pain of families cannot be taken away, it’s a place to enjoy wonderful moments that will last a lifetime. Through the Beach House Sara Fleming can now say to families: “Here, just take a week out and go have some fun!”

Danny Jenkins Photography

The WCH Foundation welcomes volunteers to assist in the running of their Beach House Program. 

Volunteer roles include taking part in working bees at the home, and greeting and orientating families when they first arrive. If you are interested in volunteering or would like further information please contact Beach House Program Manager Kristen Hardy on [email protected].

To learn more or donate please visit:

wchfoundation.org.au/the-beach-house